The Times of Her Lives - 1 of 2
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Sometime in early March, 7:30ish am, Manville, New Jersey…
”Honey?” Ellie MacDonald poked her head through her son Rickie’s bedroom doorway.
“Would you mind getting the recycling bins from the curb? It’s really coming down heavy right now and I’m worried they might be buried by the plow.
She wasn’t keeping track of him, but her curiosity still pulled her in one direction. She glanced over to Rickie’s desk; spying his open laptop. The display was lit with soft, welcoming pinkish colors. The same site every day.
She sighed. He really wasn’t small compared to boys his age, but he did have a ‘soft’ face. And having just turned thirteen, everything felt so confused. Although her own struggles were getting better, she still wondered just what it was that she had done or failed to do that urged him to a softer side.
He noticed her glance past him and considered closing the laptop. But he had nothing to hide, and apart from his mother’s occasional lapse into misplaced guilt, he felt at least safe if unfulfilled. She noticed him noticing her and spoke.
“Babe? Dr. Kelly called. She has an open hour tomorrow at three, and even if it isn’t a snow day you still should go.” He nodded.
“ And I…. I think…would still be okay if I tag along?” Rickie feared failing her almost as much as she felt like she had failed him. Ellie was slowly coming to the realization that it was more of her confusion and the sheer newness of it all rather than any misgivings Rickie might have had.
“I…” he hesitated. In all of the new questions both asked themselves and even each other, nothing was ‘off the table’ treatment-wise. The fact that Ellie actually helped him pick out his therapist with a willingness to see his gender issues as the primary focus of his therapy spoke volumes about how far she had become determined to walk alongside her son’s journey; regardless of her own fears and doubts.
He nodded; faster than slow, but still cautiously.
“Here’s an idea? I’ll make another pot of coffee and when you come back inside, you can read some of what you’re working on to me…okay?” He nodded again and hopped off his bed. He grabbed his Rutgers jacket and headed out, but not before kissing Ellie on the forehead.
“You’re the best,” he said. It was always a bittersweet moment whenever he said those words since they spoken first by his late father…. Richard MacDonald Senior; the Daddy who blessed both of them with that endearment. Ellie nodded slowly and bit her lower lip. As Rickie walked to the front door, she looked up and sighed.
“Either of you two has got anything? I’m all ears.” If God in his heaven and Richard Senior were planning something, it would have to be huge, since everything was looking more and more each day like the biggest damn Mother of all Deos ex Machina was safely under wraps until the MacDonald climax was revealed….
Outside…
Unlike most kids in eighth grade…most boys? Most girls? Everybody? Rickie’s taste in music ran a bit left of eclectic. Jazz. Beatles. Irish Harp. If his hearing in his left ear was better, he might have sung the lyrics to a Tegan and Sara hit. As it stood, despite the falloff in his left ear, he had gotten the vocal ‘scoop’ down pat., but still left humming most of the song.
“All I wanna get is a little bit clo-se-ur-urrrr!”
Some days were better than others, but more and more, he needed the words in front of him when he listened online. Another thing that needed change, since they had only just the other day qualified for Medicaid to supplement the abysmal insurance offered through his mother’s job. They finally got approved somehow for his Cochlear Implant.
He titlted his head as his earbuds played another song.
“Just to be with you…just to be with you,” he sang.
Between the uptick of the storm and the unabated wind and the inattentiveness of the County guy driving the truck that plowed the road for the third time in two hours, Rickie didn’t notice the driver missing the dogleg turn just before their driveway.
The plow truck skidded headlong onto the front yard; sending recycling bins and Rickie MacDonald Junior into the brick steps to the front door. Oddly enough, everything seemed to go an almost satiny black and Ruby Red...
Melbourne, Australia, 1928…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM5tf3tddlI
Jane blinked a bit as her eyes got used to what felt like a harsh light... She heard someone groaning, and it took a bit of looking around to try to discover who was in distress; only to realize it was she.
“Jane? Dear girl, whatever is the matter?” asked the handsomely attired woman sitting in the chair across from her. All the girl could manage in response was a half-smile and another groan; albeit with much less intensity.
“There, there, Jane. . I am so disappointed for you, what with all your plans to bless Annabeth on her birthday. I’m afraid there’s no party in your immediate future. With such a bonk on your head, I think it best you remain home today. I’ve already spoken with Annabeth’s mother, and she assured me that her daughter was so much more upset over your accident than postponing her party.”
Phryne leaned closer and tapped the girl’s knee, evoking a reflexive ‘ow’ which in turn sent a shock of pain from her neck around to her brow.
"Quelle déception, ma douce fille." Phryne half-frowned and eyed the girl up and down,
"Une belle robe neuve et enfin de très jolies chaussures...granted the heels are not very tall, but still every bit as elegant. And just the thing to cause any boy to stare, n’est pas ?"
"B...boys ?"
"With such a pretty dress and silk stockings? I daresay your dance card would have been full! Your sweet Annabeth told her mother to tell me to tell you she’s already planned the party to go on next Saturday ."
"D…d…dance ?" The girl began to shake ; still perhaps reeling from the blow to the back of her head, but it was so much more than that,
" B…Boys ? Dancing ?? ?" She did not sob, but nevertheless she began to cry.
"Jane ? It’s fine. Annabeth is going to drop by later this afternoon. She‘ll be by to check in on…what was her mother said ? "
Mr. Butler walked into the parlor with the tea cart.
"If I recall, you mentioned that Miss Annabeth referred to Miss Jane as her Petite… ?"
"Ah… ‘Ma petite amie !’ Oui c'est exactement ça !" In hearing those words, the girl lowered her head; looking almost shameful. Her crying resumed as almost silent sobs. Phryne got up and sat down on the settee next to the girl.
"OH my dear child…Mon cher enfant précieux? I did not mean to tease." Jane raised her head ; looking almost lost. Everything was so confusing and the pain at the back of her head was only just then abating.
"With such a lovely frock and you... well you’re only just now beginning to blossom, and naturellement… well, not so naturellement…" Jane dropped her gaze to her chest; noticing no big change.
"Not to worry, dear girl. The boys will just have to be patient," At the word ‘boys,’ Jane wince in near dread, leaving the two of them somehow not surprised at all
The girl looked almost relieved as if she and Phryne came to the same conclusion at the same time.
"You…You know Mac’s my dearest friend in the entire universe… "
The girl seemed to gain an inkling of where Phryne was headed. Her own half-frown brightened only a little bit.
I only say this as a precaution sweet child. Whichever goddess made you, you are perfect. Incomparable! But perhaps you and Mac might have a spin in her auto… private… as she tells you how she has had to navigate being…dare I say? Sapphic ?" At the last word, the girl burst into tears as she sobbed into Phryne’s shoulder.
"Shhh, my sweet Jane…It will be alright." Phryne said as she rocked the girl in her arms. A very odd feeling of relief came over the girl even as the tears had become comforting. But at the same time, the room began to spin. Although still seated, the girl felt like she was careening toward a growing haze. She came to an abrupt stop, which was entirely odd since she hadn’t moved...
Östra Sjukhuset - Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenberg, Sweden, 2009…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fccRlpFuLo
'Lisbeth? I can’t help you if you won’t tell me everything.’’
Annika shifted her weight in the office chair, her closed coat barely covering the baby inside her.
"Uh…When ?" Lisbeth pointed to the woman’s stomach.
’’In a couple of months." she said as she sidled the chair toward the girl, whose legs dangled over the side of the hospital bed. Small talk was getting them nowhere. Annika thought about cursing her brother out; Mikael was nothing else if annoyingly persistent, especially when he knew he was right.
She stared at the nearly bare legal pad, wondering how she could possibly break through to the girl. So adamant for someone so tiny. Annika might have continued her musing but for the very loud sounds of what Annika instantly recognized as gunshots. In mere seconds the hallway outside the room was filled with yelling.
"He has a gun," followed quickly by,,
"He’s heading for her room." Annika wasted no time and jammed a cart under the door handle. Seconds later the handle moved as someone on the other side of the door tried to open it to no avail.
Annika grabbed Lisbeth by the hand and helped her limp to the bathroom. She closed the door behind them. Lisbeth stared at the door as if she could see past it to the hallway outside. Another loud gunshot was accompanied by shouts and the clatter of the weapon as it hit the hallway floor. Annika sighed in relief.
Lisbeth sighed as well. Overwhelmed, she sat down on the closed toilet…not merely in relief mixed with confusion, but with an underlying almost inexplicable sadness as she realized two things.
First and perhaps more urgent was that someone wanted her dead but second ? Who was this Annika woman and who was this Lisbeth the woman kept calling her ? She almost needn’t have worried, since she felt the room spin…
Stable Mews, London, 1968…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8OyQ3e9SqY
The dapper man smiled warmly in welcome.
" As you have been told, Miss. King, your position here is secure…for the time being." The young lady stood nervously almost at attention.
"Oh, bother, Miss King. It’s just bloody protocol, and besides, I have the final say." he paused, leaving Tara to question silently with a raised eyebrow.
"You have the position, Miss King," he said as he stood up. He straightened his tie and smiled.
"I‘ll be back in a few; just need to pop out for a moment." The man grabbed his Bowler from the hat rack and headed out without another word.
Tara turned and started to walk up the staircase, but she was met by a very attractive lithe creature dressed in a yellow jumpsuit who was descending the stairs.
"Ah… You must be Miss King." The woman extended her hand in greeting.
"Emma… Mrs. Emma Peel, " she said cordially, leaving Tara feeling more than just a bit awkward."
"I’m more than relieved that I'll be leaving our Mr. Steed will be in capable hands."
Tara glanced back over her shoulder at the front door. Was she attracted to the debonair gentleman she had just met ? Something almost ethereally external was saying no even as she returned her attention to Mrs. Peel, whose path she was blocking. She stepped to the side, but the stairway was narrow enough to force them to squeeze against each other.
"I’m sorry," was all Tara could say as she felt the woman ease past her. She thought she detected the smallest hint of Imprévu.
"I’d love to stay and chat, but my husband is picking me up."
Tara went to reply, but the perfume’s lingering scent, which only moments before was an almost gentle wisp, turned heady and Tara felt things becoming hazy. As she felt herself slipping away, she found herself wondering what being a wife would be like… to such a woman as Emma Peel…
Mobile Army Surgical Hospital #4077, South Korea, 1952…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIGYLBVjYZA
Margaret stared at the fiberboard closet in the corner of the tent. After a couple of years of almost stubborn insistence on adhering unwavering to rules and regulations, her resolve had finally nodded reluctantly to personal expression. The closet door was open, revealing her uniforms and a few ‘civilian’ dresses hanging idly in anticipation of some not-as-yet-define R&R destination.
She shook her head in disappointment. For all of her change, she was left with no one. A long term relationship had been followed swiftly by a short marriage defined by her husband’s betrayal. Mixed in the interim were brief, romantic dalliances destined to go nowhere. Friendships were fine in their own way, but she longed for the comfort only a warm, sustained hug-filled relationship could provide.
“Why,” she asked herself; knowing it was her choices that set her on this almost inexorable path.
She heard a soft knock on the tent-frame accompanied by an even softer voice.
“Major?”
She turned toward the voice
“Major?” the voice repeated. Margaret turned to find Lt. Richelle MacDonald; a nurse on loan from the 8063rd.
“Before you say another word, Lieutenant, I must remind you that even with your rotation out at the end of the week, you are still required to wear your hair in a proper hairdo."
“But Major Houlihan?” the young Canadian attempted to interject.
“I really don’t care how they do things in Vancouver or wherever you’re from.
“Begging pardon, Major, but it’s Halifax, but that’s not what I…”
“Very well, Lieutenant, but this better be good; return to the Commonwealth or no.” Margaret said impatiently. As far as nursing went, Lt. MacDonald was one of the best nurses she had served with, but she invariably mixed compliance and skill with an odd vibe Margaret could not lay a finger on, as the saying goes.
“One moment, Major?” Richelle said as she retreated to the front of the tent; pulling the gate-like door closed and pulling the door flap down.
“Lieutenant? You have exactly ten seconds to…” Margaret’s words were cut off as Richelle strode quickly and gathered Margaret in her arms; kissing her deeply.
“Lieu…mmmm” Margaret cooed as the two continued to kiss. Neither woman heard the whistle of the mortar shell that impacted only a few yards from the tent.
“Lieutenant MacDonald? Richelle?” the young nurse heard until she passed out…
RWJ University Hospital Somerset...
Ellie stood at the nurses station of the ER. A kind looking woman in scrubs walked over and offered her hand.
“Hello. Mrs. MacDonald? I’m Dr. Cabrera, the attending neurologist. We just got the results for Rickie’s EEG and MRI. Nothing other than a very painful bruise on the back of the neck and a concussion. An overnight stay at bare minimum, I’m afraid. For observation.”
Ellie nodded almost reflexively even as Dr. Cabrera finished.
“You’ll probably be able to come early afternoon. Like I said, we're positive it’s a concussion based on the tests. We’ll prescribe something for pain. Ellie looked past Dr. Cabrera almost absent-mindedly
“I’m sorry, you just said something about a prescription for pain. Anything else?”
“Ice packs should do the trick, but either way Rickie is going to have that nasty bruise on her neck. Your daughter is very fortunate. One inch either way? She’s one lucky girl...
To be concluded...
All AI portrayals are modified pictures of yours truly
Title - AI Self-Portrait Painting - PortraitAI
One - AI - Jane- Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Two - AI -Tara King -The Avengers
Three - AI - Lisbeth Salander -The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest
Four - AI - Nurse - M*A*S*H* TV show
Closer
by Tegan and Sara
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e9NSMY8QiQ
BWU
by Tegan and Sara
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEFWES1hn1M
Theme from Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
composed by Greg J Walker
Trailer for The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest
Theme music for The Avengers Television Programme
composed by Laurie Johnson
Theme from M*A*S*H Television show
composed by Johnny Mandel
The Times of Her Lives - 2 of 2
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Previously…
“You’ll probably be able to come early afternoon. Like I said, we're positive it’s a concussion based on the tests. We’ll prescribe something for pain. Ellie looked past Dr. Cabrera almost absent-mindedly
“I’m sorry, you just said something about a prescription for pain. Anything else?”
“Ice packs should do the trick, but either way Rickie is going to have that nasty bruise on her neck. Your daughter is very fortunate. One inch either way? She’s one lucky girl...
RWJ University Hospital Somerset...
The room light overhead left Rickie reaching to cover tearful eyes with murmurs leading to a failed attempt to roll over. The bruise on the right elbow led to wincing as the murmur escalated into a very loud ‘ow.” Two figures rushed into the room, but haste was quickly replaced as the nurse calmly helped Rickie further up onto the pillow. She grabbed the bed control from the tray table.
“Let’s lift your head a bit and I’ll get another ice pack for your elbow, sweetie.” The young lady smiled warmly and looked as if she would just kiss Rickie’s forehead.
“Rashida Henderson, Aide,” her name tag displayed.
Thank you,” Ellie said as the girl retreated.
“I’d hug you, but that wouldn’t help at all.” she said to Rickie with a half-frown. She stepped close to the bed and kissed her right index finger before touching Rickie’s lips.
“Best we can do until you’re feeling a bit better.” Rickie smiled weakly and winced a bit from the pain-inducing expression.
“She’s cute,” Ellie said, using her arm to point to the doorway. Rickie frowned.
“I’m sorry, babe. We should…I should just have left the recycling until it stopped snowing.” Rickie winced at the memory of the accident; forgetting almost immediately the comment Ellie made about the nurse.
“I’ll bring a change of clothes when I pick you up tomorrow. You want a skirt and leggings or your jeans?” She seemed to be fading out as her words were immediately confusing. The room grew dim even as another voice spoke…
“Ice packs should do the trick, but either way Rickie is going to have that nasty bruise on the neck. Your child is very fortunate. One inch either way? He’s one lucky boy...
London, England, 1884
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szu7AhLDviY
Almost like awakening suddenly on a moving carousel, the young lady became ill immediately but managed to keep things together. She rose up and found herself sitting at a plain table. She looked up into the very warm and inviting smile of a girl ages with her. Something seemed off about the girl’s dress.
“You gave everyone a terrible fright. That brute tried to trample you but his mount would have none of that. He tossed the man into a pile of beer kegs and the local constabulary arrested him straight off. The horse tried to stop, but not before bumping you to the ground. My uncle says you’re due for a nice rest and now that your inheritance has been restored, you’ll be quite set. Oh, sorry. I’m Enola… we sort of met when you hid in the dressmaker’s shop.”
The girl looked down at herself reflexively and suddenly realized what seemed off. She and this Enola lass were wearing identical dresses. And that in turn triggered a deepening heat on her face and neck as she recalled the reason for her own garb. Her eyes widened with fear; prompting Enola to quickly add.
“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe. Uncle Mycroft talked to a doctor friend…”
“He what?” The girl choked back a sob.’
“Oh, bother. I’ve set you off, poor dear.” Enola said, stepping close.
“The Uncles are good friends with a doctor who is practically a royal. He has a cousin…” Enola turned away as if seeking advice from someone.
“I know you’ll keep secret, what with your own unique situation? Rather mostly unique since the young lady has some help in not becoming who he could never be. Being both never worked, but her cousin “helped her put aside half to become whole,” as Uncle Sherlock put it.
“Oh,” was all the girl could say before choking back a sob. Enola stepped close and kissed her on the forehead.
“I…I’m sorry.” The girl pleaded as her face grew crimson; leaving her a near-equal mixture of embarrassed, confused, and oddly comfortable.
“Oh not to worry,” Enola said softly before kissing the girl on the cheek.”
“Not to worry at all.” Enola smiled and the girl looked up in plea as the room began to spin…
Agrabah, Arabian Peninsula, somewhere else in time…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSE1vZJt3GA
The figure lying in the midst of very large comfortable pillows stirred; her left arm raised overhead to block the sun peaking through tall gauzy curtains.
“Uh…” she cooed. The sound was almost echoed as a very content-looking tiger uttered what sounded like a mixture between a purr and a low growl.
“Shhh, Rajah? Let me be?” The girl said. She rolled over slightly and found herself facing someone who looked mostly familiar.
“Time to get up, sleepy head,” the young lady said as she pushed a lock of hair from the girl’s eyes.
“Besides? It wouldn’t do to let you be when you haven’t figured out who you are.” She leaned over to a table nearby and produced a silver mirror. She held it up to the girl, who pulled back with an almost horrifying start.
“What…what’s…who?” the girl stammered as she stared at her reflection.
“You, Fatima…You!” She resisted the urge to tease and just hopped out of the pillow bed; pulling the girl…Fatima…to her feet.”
“What? Jasmine? What’s going on?” Fatima pleaded. Rajah rubbed against the girl’s arm and urged her closer to the other girl… Jasmine… Fatima’s near twin.
“It’s what you wanted, oh heart of my heart.” Jasmine stepped closer and urged the mirror into her doppelganger’s hands. Fatima… the love of Jasmine’s life in a way.
“Your wish… a whole NEW world? A new fantastic point of view? My point of view?” Fatima almost shuddered at Jasmine’s words.
“You were rubbing the lamp and said something like, “I’m so tired of being a thief. What I wouldn’t give to have a life like yours?” Jasmine laughed softly, but it was nowhere near a taunt.
“No more swords or breadlines, my darling.” Jasmine stepped even closer and kissed Fatima on the right cheek.
“I don’t know how, and I almost don’t care,” she said. She pointed between them with a broad gesture. Similar but different clothes. Their hair was practically identical but for the black of Jasmine’s vs the auburn of Fatima.
“You …” Fatima stuttered again. Her face had turned very pale pink and she swooned. Jasmine caught her and lowered her into a nearby chair.
“I am not going to lie. This is exactly what I want. I do not desire riches such as what my father amassed. I …” she paused and looked into Fatima’s eyes.
“You did not laugh or joke when we talked last night. The Jinn whom Jafar replaced heard the cry of my heart.”
“But what… how?”
“I know not how, but what? Dear sweet love?” Jasmine glanced down at her body and then at Fatima’s”
“We are having twins.” Fatima shook her head as if Jasmine was stating the obvious.
“How can you know? We are going to have children, of course, but no more..” Fatima gasped. The finality of the change was both joyous and saddening.
“You did want this, my darling and now it will come to pass.” Jasmine’ eyes were welling with tears, but her face brightened in a grin.
“How? I can no longer…” Fatima bit her lip; the bitter irony hitting her hard. No longer the thief or even a prince, and never again to be a father.”
“You misunderstand. We are having twins. One from me and one from you.” Jasmine did tease, but only a bit.
“Quite a fantastic point of view? Most assuredly so. Two heirs to rule judiciously, with compassion and mercy. Guided by the Twin Queens of the realm.
“But?” Fatima seemed to protest only about the confusion she felt.
“But nothing, my dear wife. I will always treasure my love of Aladdin, but henceforth, it will be Queen Fatima who holds sway to my heart.” Jasmine gently lifted Fatima to her feet and guided her back to bed.
What? I don’t…” Fatima protested again; feeling more incapable than saddened. Jasmine helped her lie down before lying down next to her mate.
“No worries, dear one.” Jasmine rolled Fatima over until they were embracing back-to-front.”
“Time enough for the new? Let us rest as you suggested. We have all the time in the world to figure this out.” She kissed her bride softly on the neck before her hands began to explore the closeness that went far beyond the nearness they shared. Fatima nodded slowly and in a few minutes she had fallen into a contented sleep…
Somerville, New Jersey, the present...
“Is he okay?” The girl in the grey uniform asked the nurse.
“It’s not uncommon for some with minor head injuries to talk in their sleep. He’s resting comfortably despite the talking. Vitals are fine. So it might just be something the doctor will discuss with his mom.” The nurse had barely gotten the words out of her mouth when the boy said very loudly,
“CQ CQ WR2 GFO… WR2 GFO, come back!”
The Rebel Base on the Fourth Moon of Yavin 4; a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65As1V0vQDM
Kaydel Ko stood back amidst the celebration. As much as she had really wanted to join in, she nevertheless could not push aside the pain of the almost unbearable loss she felt. A familiar face interrupted her musing long enough to urge a bottle of water into her hands. The young man kissed her softly on the cheek and spoke in a near whisper to her ear.
“I know, Lieutenant Connix. It is almost too soon, with Leia gone and so many lost. Retreat as you must. It’s less of a struggle for me and some others of us because we weren’t as close as you.”
“She…she was like a mother to me, Beau..” Kaydel stifled a sob. He touched her arm gently before easing away to join the revelry. She turned to walk further into the hangar from everyone, but her way was almost blocked by yet another, if imposing figure.
“I am so, so sorry,” Rey said; her tears mirroring the young woman.
“I wanted to tell you…especially.” Rey shrugged and looked away. Their commonality was blessed and painful at the same time. Doubly since the woman who had become a mother to Kaydel had also welcomed Rey as her own in a way. And with that welcome came a privilege to get to know Han Solo perhaps as few would; almost like the fathers Rey and Kaydel never got to know.
“It’s just so… unfair.” In a just universe it might have been, but both young women had learned that in life, there is no fair nor unfair. Life just is what it is.
“She’s with him now,” Kaydel said, looking skyward to whatever paradise might have welcomed Leia and Han Solo. As many who had been lost in the thankful triumph over the past several days, the two had become very dear to Rey in her own way. And while Kaydel barely knew the man that Han Solo was, every bit of love Leia had for Han became part of being the adopted family that Kaydel…that she and Rey had come to know. But Rey shook her head.
“I…I almost did not care… Their reunion took away something I fear I will never again know in this lifetime.” Rey struggled to continue, but Kaydel grabbed her by both hands; finishing what she hoped Rey was about to say.
“But in our own ways, we will always have that love buried…no… safely hidden within our hearts. Both of them touched me. And touched you. We share that. And it is ours forever.” Kaydel’s soft sob was one, not of despair, but of hope.
“Yes…” Rey paused; pulling away as she searched for words when words alone would never do. She turned back; grabbing Kaydel once again, but in an embrace. Rey leaned close and kissed Kaydel tenderly. Whereas the kiss of departure with Kylo Ren would always have a special place within her being, it was the here and now and promise of this kiss that would urge both women forward in hope.
Kaydel sighed deeply as she leaned back only a little as bliss overtook her…
It's beautiful. It's beautiful. I keep saying that but I can't... my mind can't... words... should've sent a poet. I'm a poet and don't know it...
Station... floating down...floating... (like a little girl) Twinkle twinkle... little star... how I wonder... ellemenopee... (shaking her head) ...have to stay awake... stay awake... (slipping) Please... please... She passes out….*
Somewhere and sometime else…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA4v7h5ckz4
Ellie climbed out of the now-translucent pod and began walking. Whatever beach she now traversed was nowhere near anything or anyone she might ever know.
She stared up in awe at the swirl of colors overhead. How far had she come? For how long had she been gone? Since abandoning the travel pod, she was almost lost in wonder. Wherever she was, it was nowhere in any galaxy she knew of. Something or someone had brought her so many light years from home.
“Why?” she found herself asking. Not what or where but rather why…
Off in the distance, she saw a figure walking toward her. Contact? As the figure drew close, the familiarity was both awe-inspiring and grief-inducing. Not the father of the story she had adored for so long, but her own father… Richard MacDonald Sr.
She raced into his arms as tears cascaded down both their faces.
“Hey, kiddo.” He stroked her hair just like every other time until the day of his passing. She would recall telling her friends of his tenderness, only to be met with awkward stares, since fathers only tossel little boy’s hair. No gentle touch. No forehead kisses and hugs between father and son… Other fathers and sons!
“Daddy?”
“Ellie?” Not Richie or Junior. As much as she hoped for an endearment, she feared rather that the endearment might end swiftly and that this specter would cruelly depart. Her father stooped only a bit and kissed her cheek.
“Your mom wanted to honor my mom and name you Lauren… if you had ‘come out’ a girl. You did, of course. Just not in any way to be seen.”
“But…”
“You are my child, but your name was Richard. I named you after your Mom… the best person I know. Ellie Marie MacDonald.” Richard smiled at her; not a specter and certainly not an extraterrestrial greeter, but her late father; visiting his “there-all-along” daughter one last time this side of eternity. He kissed his right index finger and touched her lips.
“Tell your mom no hurry, okay?” He smiled and she smiled back and nodded.
“Oh…Ellie?” She stared at him as he began to disappear.
“Tell your mom she’s the best,” he said and simply faded away.
Richard MacDonald Jr. began to weep. He turned to walk away, but not before looking back in disappointment since his father was gone. But when he turned once again, he found himself, not on a bright, strange beach on an exotic planet, but sitting up instead in a hospital bed in Somerville, New Jersey…
RWJ University Hospital Somerset, Somerville, New Jersey, the present...
“Hey, kiddo. There you are.” Ellie MacDonald looked down at her only child in relief. Sometimes a deep sleep after a concussion can cause some concern, but all the tests came back negative, and it was really just a need for rest after a frightening accident the afternoon before.
“We’re not going home after your discharge, babe.”
Richie sighed; hoping that they might take in the Time to Eat diner nearby. She noticed the disappointment and produced a can of San Pellegrino Blood Orange Sparkling Water.
“We have to make a quick stop. There’s a department here that we need to visit,” she said as she used her left arm in a broad gesture to indicate the hospital itself.
“Gender-Affirming… Your dad came to me in a dream last night and reminded me, oh light of my life. And tomorrow we both have an appointment with one of Dr. Kelly’s friends about what I need to do for you…seeing how you’re my daughter and all.”
Richie’s eyes widened in amazement. Ellie stepped close to the bed and draped a pretty Mauve long sweater along with some black leggings and a pair of her rainbow-daubed Sketchers on Richie's knees.
“Just one thing? While it might be confusing to some, I really don’t think ‘Junior” suits you, and your dad agrees. She blinked back happy tears, looking up as if she was in conversation with someone else before saying at last,
“And Ellie?” her mother laughed softly.
“Daddy and I think you’re the best.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65As1V0vQDM (Reprise)
* excerpted from CONTACT working script by
Menno Meyjes, Ann Druyan, Carl Sagan, Michael Goldenberg, and Jim V. Hart
Rewrite by Michael Goldenberg ; Based on the Novel by Carl Sagan
All AI portrayals are modified pictures of yours truly
Title - AI Self-Portrait Painting - PortraitAI
Five - AI Enola Holmes FaceApp
Six - AI Jasmine from Aladdin FaceApp
Seven - AI Kaydel Ko Connix from The Rise of Skywalker FaceApp
Eight - AI Dr. Ellie Arroway from Contact
Nine - AI Stock photo - teen hospital patient FaceApp
Theme from Enola Holmes
composed by Daniel Pemberton
A Whole New World
from Aladdin
words and music by
Tim Rice and Alan Menkin
performed by Wiinie Su
featuring Priyam Balsara
Rey's Theme
Star Wars Trilogy
composed by John Williams
Theme from the Motion Picture
Contact
composed by Alan Silvestri